coupon basics

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Looks confusing, doesn't it? But I promise you that it's really very simple, once you learn the coupon lingo.

The list of coupon terms and abbreviations has been recently updated to include all of the abbreviations and lingo that I use in coupon matchups. But I have this niggling suspicion that I'm leaving something important off the list, so I'm hoping I can rely on you coupon pros to give it a quick once over and let me know if I've missed anything!

But back to those of you who are still wondering exactly how to read that deal, let's take it line by line:

Before we dive into learning all about coupons, I think it's important for you to take a good, hard look at what has prevented you from using coupons in the past. Perhaps you've been hiding behind one of the common coupon myths: you were embarrassed to use coupons; you can't find coupons for the items you use; buying generic is cheaper; etc.

Perhaps you were intimidated by coupons because they seemed confusing and overwhelming, or maybe a spouse wasn't on board and seemed to be derailing your efforts by coming home with two bagfuls of groceries when you asked him or her to pick up a gallon of milk. Or just maybe using coupons wasn't a necessity in your overall budget previously, but current circumstances have led you to investigate the possibility of using them to cut your grocery budget.

Whatever the reason, take a few minutes to identify why you've been reluctant to save with coupons and/or what has prevented you from using them to the fullest prior to now. Knowing your weaknesses is half the battle and will be important to know going forward so you can look for simple solutions!

Homework assignment: Spend some time assessing what barriers you have to getting started couponing or sticking with it successfully. Share your thoughts in the comments so we can cheer each other's successes on!

Sunday inserts:

When I list the store deals and refer to a coupon from a Sunday insert, the information on where to find the coupon is in parentheses. For example, (SS 12/14/08) would indicate that a coupon came from a SmartSource insert that was distributed in the 12/14/08 Sunday newspaper.

Coupon lingo:

$1/1, $1/2: One dollar off one item, one dollar off two items, etc.2/$1, 3/$2: Two items for one dollar, three items for two dollars, etc.B1G1: Buy one item get one item freeB2G1: Buy two items get one item freeBeep: Sometimes the register will beep when a coupon is scanned to indicate that the cashier need to take an action, like entering a price.Blinkies: Grocery/drugstore coupon dispensers with blinking lightsCatalina: Catalina coupon, prints from a separate machine when your receipt printsCRT: Cash register tape, usually used when referring to CVS coupons that print with receiptDND: Do not doubleEa.: EachECBs: ExtraCare Bucks, CVS loyalty rewards systemETS: Excludes trial sizeExp.: ExpiresGC: Gift cardIVC: Instant Value Coupon, Walgreens' store coupons found in ads and monthly bookletMIR: Mail-in rebateNLA: No longer availableOYNO: On your next orderOOP: Out of pocketOOS: Out of stockPeelie: Peel-off coupon found on product packagingPSA: Prices starting atR: Regional coupon, will be listed after insert date as applicableRRs: Register Rewards, Walgreens' Catalina couponsQ: CouponSCR: Single Check Rebate, Rite Aid monthly rebates programStacking: Using both a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon on one itemUPC: Universal product code, bar codeTearpad: Pad of coupons attached to a display, shelf, or refrigerator door.+UP Reward: Rite Aid reward programWYB: When you buyYMMV: Your mileage (or manager) may vary, meaning some stores might give you a deal but others might not

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About Deal Seeking Mom

Tara Kuczykowski is a married mom of three boys and two girls, ages 5 to 11 years, living in Columbus, OH.

As a former career-oriented professional turned stay-at-home mom, reconciling champagne tastes with a tap-water budget was a challenge, especially with a large family. By learning how to cut costs on her family's basic needs, she has found the key to having more disposable income for the things in life that make it worth living.